Back in March of 1986 I was a junior Marketing Major at the University of Buffalo with very little work experience to put on a resume. I didn’t think being a sales associate at a shoe store in the local mall or stocking shelves at a grocery store was going to give me the advantage I needed when it came time to interview for a “real job.”
So I decided to buy the local Sunday newspaper and check out the help wanted section (yes, they did actually advertise jobs in newspapers back then)! I saw a small ad that stated: flexible schedule, no experience necessary and a $7 pay rate. Since minimum wage at that time I believe was $3.35, I jumped at the chance and applied.
A week later I finished my initial three-day training seminar and became an official Vector Marketing (CUTCO) Sales Representative. Twenty-six years later (this week) little did I know what impact this would have on my life.
(That’s me in my Syracuse, N.Y., office as a Branch Manager in the late 80s. And below, getting one of my sales awards during a Year End Banquet.)
Since then I’ve been promoted 10 times, lived in seven different cities in four different states, traveled all over the world on company trips and most importantly met my wife 16 years ago who was introduced to me by my former manager whose wife had known her since grade school.
I love the fact that the product quality has remained the same since the day I started. I never have to worry about running into old customers of mine and feeling embarrassed that I sold them something that fell apart. In fact, I still have the knives from my initial sample kit and use them every day. CUTCO truly is the World’s Finest Cutlery!
I love the fact that all CUTCO knives are 100% made in the United States and guaranteed forever. I’ve been lucky enough to see this first hand the past five years after moving to Olean, N.Y., for my current role.
I love the fact that in all the roles I’ve had, such as District Manager (running my own business), Sales Promotion Manager, Rep Development Manager, etc., I’ve impacted thousands of people. The skills we learn and teach are applicable in any career choice. It’s such a great feeling to receive a letter or email from a former rep or associate from 5, 10, 15 or even 20 years ago saying thank you for making a difference in my life.
I love the fact that my best friends are people that I met in the business. Nowadays, it’s rare that someone actually enjoys the people they work with let alone keeps in contact with them after all these years.
Looking back I guess it was well worth it to be teased with such nicknames as CUTCO Kid, Knife Guy, A Cut Above.
By the way, to this day I’ve never had to work on that resume since this is the only company I’ve worked for the past 26 years!
comments
5 Notes/ Hide
- fremontfreaks-blog reblogged this from cutcocafe
- scottysnacktime liked this
- cutcocafe posted this